Hey Church!
If you have been tracking with these prepare-for-worship newsletters in recent weeks, you know that we have been tracing the subject of worship through the Scriptures. Our brief survey has examined themes like God’s mediated presence, His desire to dwell among His people, and the use of the Psalms in worship. Today, I want to take a one-week break from that study to share a thought with you about faith and the new thing that God is doing among us.
Did you know that we are on the precipice of a revival right here in South Florida? Pastor Tom described it like this: “the seed of revival-breakthrough is in the ground, it’s germinating, and is starting to break the ground.” We have yet to see the full-scale breakthrough that is characteristic of all the historic revivals, but we are believing and claiming in faith that it is near.
Pastors in our region share not only a common vision and commitment to revival but even close, personal friendships. When Church United’s leaders get together, there are no egos in the room. All genuinely want to become less so that God may increase (John 3:30). Additionally, there is, among our church leaders, a holy discontentment with the status quo. One of the greatest threats to revival is contentment because the status quo allows one to comfortably ride out the remaining days of their ministry, until that ultimate goal: retirement. But when God shows up and the seed of revival bursts through the ground and spreads its branches, things get uncomfortable because repentance requires death to self.
My father, Clay Brasington III, has been a worship pastor for over 50 years, the vast majority of that time in South Florida, and he tells me that the kind of unity and friendship that exists presently among churches across the denominational spectrum is “the dream” he and other ministers wished to see realized for the past generation. Village Hymns represents the minstrels of our area who are leading the way–not only of unity among the churches (which is, in itself, unprecedented) but also in new music. Music was a key feature of every revival in history, most notably in what some church historians say was the last widespread, large-scale revival the world has seen, the Welch Revival of 1904-1905.
Another key feature of historical revivals is a unified prayer movement. There has been, for years in the making, a growing group of prayer warriors scattered around the county who have been praying fervently for breakthrough in this region. Over time, those individuals have begun to realize they were not alone but that many like them have been prompted by the Holy Spirit to pray specifically for revival here in South Florida.
One of the consequences of full-blown revival will be repentance and the conversion of souls to Christ. Alpha began at Rio as a small group of skeptics and seekers. In our most recent Alpha offering, 80 people showed up, a handful of whom have now given their lives to Christ.
The local church leaders are getting together tonight for a time of worship and prayer. Please pray for that time together! Most of all, ask God to meet with us in a way that is so authentic and powerful that none can deny it. Pray also for repentance and a renewed passion for the lost. We want to see more of God’s movement made manifest in all of the above ways.
As you prepare your own heart for worship this Sunday, put this song on repeat and let it give voice to our cry for revival. We need more of Him! Come to church hungry and expectant.
Your brother,
Ryan